Judge recuses self in murder case

District court judge Michael Schiferl recused himself from presiding over a local murder case.

Candi Hillchill@ljtdmail.com

District court judge Michael Schiferl recused himself from presiding over a local murder case.

The case involves Anthony Wright, 42, of Florence. Wright was arrested Aug. 15 on first-degree murder, second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges in connection with the October death of Byron Griffy, longtime funeral home owner in the Lower Arkansas Valley.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Schiferl said he was recusing himself because he had just learned that his wife, a teacher at a local intermediate school, was on a leadership team with one of Griffy's family members.

Wright will next appear Wednesday, Sept. 4, in front of District court chief judge Mark MacDonnell to determine if MacDonnell will take the case or assign another judge.